Protesters outside Lebanese consulate demand accountability and justice one year after Beirut explosion
Members of Montreal's Lebanese community gathered outside that country's consulate on Wednesday to remember the victims of the massive explosion that claimed more than 200 lives one year ago.
The blast also left thousands injured and tens of thousands homeless. Attendees expressed frustration at the lack of answers from the Lebanese government over the circumstances that led up to the explosion.
“No one has been charged. We are still yet to know the truth about the investigation that we were promised five days after the blast. It impacted the entire country and the diaspora,” said Stephani Moukhaiber, a spokesperson United Diaspora. “No one is accountable for this murderous act. We're here demanding justice and to lift immunities from all government officials that are being investigated in this case.”
Montreal was one of 15 cities that was home to demonstrations, including Beirut.
Moukhaiber said that she takes solace in the Lebanese diaspora's response to the explosion.
“The good thing is the international network was able to mobilize very quickly. It took us an hour to be able to start to work on different streams and different tracks. A team to collect medical aid, a team to collect financial aid, a team to figure out what the environmental impact of the blast was going to be.”
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Grandparent scam: London, Ont., senior beats fraudsters not once, but twice
It was a typical Tuesday for Mabel Beharrell, 84, until she got the call that would turn her world upside down. Her teenaged grandson was in trouble and needed her help.
Deaths of 4 people on Sask. farm confirmed as murder-suicide
The deaths of four people on a farm near the Saskatchewan village of Neudorf have been confirmed a murder-suicide.
George Washington family secrets revealed by DNA from unmarked 19th century graves
Genetic analysis has shed light on a long-standing mystery surrounding the fates of U.S. President George Washington's younger brother Samuel and his kin.
Full parole granted to man convicted in notorious 'McDonald's murders' in Cape Breton
The Parole Board of Canada has granted full parole to one of three men convicted in the brutal murders of three McDonald's restaurant workers in Cape Breton more than 30 years ago.
Sunshine list: These were the Ontario public sector's highest earners in 2023
Ontario released its annual sunshine list Thursday afternoon, noting that the largest year-over-year increases were in hospitals, municipalities, and post-secondary sectors.
Rainfall warnings of up to 80 mm among weather alerts in effect for 6 provinces
Rainfall warnings of up to 90 millimetres and other alerts have been issued for six Canadian provinces, according to the latest forecasts.
Why some Christians are angry about Trump's 'God Bless the USA' Bible
Former U.S. President Donald Trump is officially selling a copy of the Bible themed to Lee Greenwood’s famous song, 'God Bless the USA.' But the concept of a Bible covered in the American flag has raised concern among religious circles.
Bus plunges off a bridge in South Africa, killing 45 people. An 8-year-old child is only survivor
A bus carrying worshippers headed to an Easter festival plunged off a bridge on a mountain pass and burst into flames in South Africa on Thursday, killing at least 45 people, authorities said.
Calgary bridges remain closed due to ongoing police incident
Calgary police have shut down a number of bridges into and out of the downtown core as officers deal with a distraught individual.